Vladimir Coufal, a star for West Ham, suggests a candidate for captain while David Moyes defers making a final decision.

West Ham star Vladimir Coufal has named who he thinks should be captain as David Moyes holds off making an official decision.

When Declan Rice departed West Ham it did not just leave big shoes to fill in the midfield but also the Hammers captaincy up in the air.

Reports over the summer claimed David Moyes had “promised” Harry Maguire the West Ham armband as an incentive when trying to sign the Man United defender.

That move did not materialise and West Ham instead signed Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart.

The Hammers brought in Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse with Moyes admitting he had his leadership qualities – among his many talents with the ball – very much in mind.

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Edson Alvarez is a very vocal team player who is being tipped as a potential captain for Mexico.

And West Ham have several senior, experienced pros who could be considered as Rice’s official replacement as skipper.

Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna, Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell all fall into that category. But only two of those are currently guaranteed starters.

Tomas Soucek captains the Czech Republic and his compatriot Vladimir Coufal is another vocal, experienced player.

West Ham star Vladimir Coufal names who he thinks should be captain as David Moyes holds off making official decision

Moyes has given Kurt Zouma the responsibility so far this season.

And it’s certainly worked out well so far with the Hammers unbeaten and sitting third in the fledgling league table.

Journalist Henry Winter recently criticised Moyes for giving Zouma the West Ham captain’s armband after his cat kicking indiscretions of the past. The journalist was quickly rebuked for his dig at Zouma by John Terry.

Now West Ham star Coufal has named who he thinks should be captain as Moyes holds off making an official decision.

‘Why not? He has big respect’

Speaking in an interview with The Daily Mail, Coufal says Zouma is the “ideal” choice and deserves the role in an official capacity. In fact as far as Coufal is concerned, Zouma already is the Hammers captain.

“‘For me, Kurt is captain,” Coufal said.

“Why not (in an official capacity)? He is wearing the armband.

“The boss said he will be captain, so he is.

“It is absolutely not a problem.

“He has big respect for his career, what he achieved. He is a big personality.”